What do Box Office Managers do?

A Box Office Manager is responsible for managing the box office and supervising the Box Office Assistants and other staff. They have overall responsibility for making sure customers are well looked after and happy with the service. The job of Box Officer Manager is often part of the Marketing Department of the venue and the Box Office Manager may be responsible for maximising revenue from the sale of tickets. They may be expected to provide comprehensive database analysis and other information to support the marketing objectives of the venue, such as sales information, audience profiling and identifying audience trends.

Working in the music industry as a Box Office Manager can be a good way of experiencing the excitement of live performance and playing an important role in keeping customers happy and things running smoothly as wel as contributing to the business success of the venue. The hours can be long, particularly during music festivals and special events, and the role usually involves regular evening and weekend working.

The responsibilities of the Box Office Manager will include managing box office staff and ensuring they are appropriately trained, managing box office systems, sales, banking, rotas, reporting and evaluation of sales and system management. A Box Office Manager will be expected to have excellent proven customer care skills and experience with computerised box office systems. They may also be expected to have sales and marketing skills and experience. Often they will be responsible for the look of the foyer and front of house generally, making sure marketing and promotional materials are displayed effectively and health and safety rules adhered to.

As well as being responsible for ticket sales a Box Office Manager may be responsible for the sales of other items and services, such as memberships, programmes, merchandise, or refreshments, including pre-performance meals. The the box office is also the often general reception and box office staff may need to deal with enquiries for other members of staff, assist with the organisation of interviews and the delivery and despatch of goods.

Possibilities for career development for a Box Office Manager include progression to venue management, a role in marketing or sales, or a business development role in the music or events industry.